#baronyofthesilverwolf

He nods, and strides off, trusting her to know what must be done.

SHe puts the crates back and contemplates how best to go against the Stirge threat... and also if mom needs help in the kitchen, or for her to get groceries, and ...well, maybe Chuck and she could go for a walk together at the park

It's quiet, but sometimes, that means peaceful. A lull between work, between battles, and yes, time for Chuck and friends.

She texts Chuck TXT: _Hey, what you doing tonight?

TXT: No plans. Mom has a DATE. Brett is over at a friend's.

TXT: WOW, who is your mom dating??

TXT: Guy named Brian - I've only met him once, he works at the gym. Mom said that the lady who runs her yoga class said he was a nice guy, and they met at the smoothie bar. Don't worry, I won't let any creeps near her.

TXT: Runs yoga? mmm I think I know her yoga instructor. A smile She's a good sort. Wouldn't steer your mom wrong. So, about US. Want me to come over? We could invite some friends, or... just us.

TXT: I can make popcorn. Or if you're hungry, I'll cook GrubHub 🙂

TXT: Ha. HOw about I do you one better and show up with some food my mom made?

TXT: DONE! I luv your mom's cooking.

TXT: You have taste, sir! I'll see what she'll whip up for us. And it will be a surprise when I get there. See you in a half hour or less?

TXT: drive safe ❤️

TXT: I always do 💋 ❤️

She sighs happily, and races towards her mom "Mom, we have any left overs I can heat up for dinner to share with Chuck while I visit him tonight?"

"Leftovers? Leftovers?!" Marigold tuts and pushes Gwen OUT of the kitchen. "Give me 10 - no, 15 minutes."

She had guessed that would be the answer and took it into account "Sure, it'll give me time to get dressed" She knows just the outfit Chuck likes

Soon, bustling noises, and Gwen has her closet to go through. Which, sometimes, has new things in it. The shirt with the big "Don't worry, be happy" letters with a smiling cat on it - hard to tell. Marigold? Bluebell? But the new items in her underwear drawer, somehow JUST her size, may have come from the pooka.

A BLUSH Wicked Aunt Bluebell And yes, she tries them on with a blush

The color looks a tad garish against her dark blue skin, but on her tanned brown skin? Rather stunning.

Over that she dresses just a bit enticingly but casual. Is there such a thing as enticingly casual? Oh well

She eyes her hair, gives it a quick brush. Sometimes it spills over wildly which drives her nuts but she doesn't feel like braiding it tonight.

She can smell something good from the kitchen by now.

She wonders if she looks like an idiot when a lock falls over her eye while she's talking to Chuck. Then again, he sometimes moves it back gently and.. that's nice. Sniff sniff?

When she returns there, to go containers have been set up with parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets over fresh pasta with basil pesto from their own gardens, and a light side salad, garden lettuces and early tomatoes. Enough food to be satisfying, without being a terribly heavy meal. "I hope this is okay, I didn't have time to make fresh bread. The rise, you know."

"It's PERFECT" She kisses her mom on the cheek "You're the best"

"And Chuck says he LOVEs your cooking"

"He loves my cooking, and he loves you, and I love you too, my daughter dear."

A blush "Love you too, mom" A blush again "We maybe watching more than one movie so don't wait up"

SHe gathers the food offered

"Mmm-HMM. Text before you head home, so I know you're on your way. I'll listen for the silly beep."

"I will but don't stay up waiting for it" A hurmph

A raised brow, and she chuckles. "Just try to make it home before I get up for the morning bread."

A blush "Yes mother" Contrite

A smile, her eyes crinkle happily every time she hears Gwen call her that.

And Marigold knows that if she put her foot down, her teenage daughter might pout, but she'd do as told not because she's naturally subserviant or the like, but because she loves her mother and respects her. For Gwen, Marigold has stepped into her heart and become that safe haven warmer than any balefire.

Ah, yes. Sovereign of the heart. Treacherous stuff.

And off Gwen goes, texting On my way and soon driving... like an old lady by Thistle's standards

Still, she'll get there, safe and sound, with dinner, and the promised popcorn - and to find out that yes, Chuck and her have chemistry... both in the woods, AND out.
(Scene!)